CityGate Real Estate Services

About Us

CityGate Real Estate Services was founded with a commitment to excellence, trust, and support. Specializing in single-family and investment properties as well as community property management, our journey began with a vision to provide unparalleled real estate solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. Driven by a deep understanding of the local Raleigh market, we embarked on a mission to not only meet, but exceed expectations. Our goal is to continue building long lasting relationships within our community by offering personalized real estate services that reflect our wealth of experience and market knowledge. 

Our Core Values

Client Satisfaction

We prioritize client satisfaction by providing exceptional service and personalized attention to meet your unique needs.

 

Integrity 

We uphold the highest standards of integrity through transparency in all our dealings, ensuring trust and confidence with our clients.

 

Expertise 

With our extensive experience and knowledge of the real estate market, we help our clients make informed decisions about their investments.

 

Best Team Ever

Doro Taylor, Owner, CityGate Real Estate Services
Owner & Broker

Doro Taylor

Shannon Poplin, CityGate Real Estate Services
Broker, Property Manager

Shannon Poplin

Debra Thomas, V.P. of Residential Properties
Vice President, Residential Homes

Debra Thomas

Amber Nowlin, VP of Communities
Vice President, Communities

Amber Nowlin, CALP, CAM

Rick Dean, Broker, CityGate Real Estate Services
Broker, Property Manager

Rick Dean

Michael Potter, CityGate Real Estate Services
Broker
Property Manager

Michael Potter

Sarah Wiggs, CityGate Real Estate Services
Broker

Sarah Wiggs

Owner & Broker

Doro Taylor

Doro Taylor, a Raleigh native, is the Owner, Managing Director, and Broker of CityGate Real Estate Services. With a degree from Parsons School of Design and an MBA from Duke University, Doro spent 20 years in the architectural design field before embarking on her illustrious career in real estate. In 2006, Doro founded Doro Taylor Realty, which evolved into CityGate Real Estate in 2009. Driven by her passion for offering a full range of trustworthy and knowledgeable real estate services in the Triangle area, Doro established CityGate to meet clients’ diverse needs through comprehensive brokerage, development, investment, and property management services.

Learn more about Doro

Broker, Property Manager

Shannon Poplin

Shannon Poplin has over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, including 7 years as a licensed agent. Shannon has been managing residential and student housing properties since 2021. She handles a wide array of responsibilities, from accounting and compliance to tenant relations, leveraging tools like Rentec and Yardi to provide her clients with innovative solutions while managing her workload efficiently.

Learn more about Shannon

Vice President, Residential Homes

Debra Thomas

Debra Thomas embarked on her career in property management and real estate in 2004, bringing with her a passion for helping people find their dream homes and investment properties. She has extensive experience managing Section 8 and low-income properties, demonstrating her dedication to serving diverse communities and ensuring affordable housing options for those in need.

Learn more about Debra

Vice President, Communities

Amber Nowlin, CALP, CAM

Amber Nowlin brings nearly 17 years of experience and a heartfelt passion for property management to City Gate Real Estate Services. Her journey began in high school, working part-time in leasing, and progressed through roles such as leasing consultant, assistant manager, area manager, and regional manager. Now, as the Vice President of Communities, she oversees multifamily properties with a keen eye for detail and a deep commitment to residents and property owners. Amber is dedicated to continuous learning, holding CALP and CAM designations alongside her real estate license, and actively participates in TAA and NAA to stay updated with industry trends and regulations.

Learn More About Amber

Broker, Property Manager

Rick Dean

Since partnering with Doro Taylor in 2019, Rick Dean has been integral to City Gate Real Estate Services, contributing to over $70 million in residential sales. His expertise covers the entire Triangle area, including Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, and Roxboro, focusing on downtown and North Raleigh. Originally from central Virginia, Rick’s journey across the eastern United States, including residencies and business ventures in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, has enriched his understanding of various markets, making him a versatile and knowledgeable real estate professional.

Learn more about Rick

Broker
Property Manager

Michael Potter

Michael Porter brings over 20 years of customer service and management expertise to CityGate Real Estate Services. A proud product of a military family, Michael’s childhood was spent traveling across various tours of duty before his family settled in North Carolina. His diverse career has spanned industries including mortgage, security, and restaurant ownership, where he honed his skills in customer service, leadership, and operations. 

Learn More About Michael

Broker

Sarah Wiggs

Sarah Wiggs is a dynamic broker at CityGate Real Estate Services, bringing over a decade of experience in real estate investments, property management, and brokerage to her clients. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA in Communications, Sarah excels in combining her communication expertise with her in-depth knowledge of the Triangle’s real estate market.

Learn more about Sarah